On Wednesday, June 12, the Russian naval fleet, led by the modern frigate ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ and the nuclear-powered submarine ‘Kazan’, made its presence known in Havana, Cuba, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. The fleet’s arrival, which includes a supply ship, a rescue tugboat, and the submarine Kazan, is part of a scheduled visit that has garnered significant attention due to its proximity to the US coast—just 150 km away. The visit is slated to last until June 17 and includes public tours of the ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ as well as maritime and aerial exercises in the Caribbean.The US Department of Defense has been tracking the fleet’s movements and, despite deploying warships to follow the Russian vessels, does not consider the deployment a direct threat. However, the arrival of the Russian ships has stirred memories of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and is perceived by some experts as a demonstration of Russia’s ability to project power close to US shores. The Cuban Foreign Ministry has emphasized that the visit, while a demonstration of the enduring Russian-Cuban friendship, complies with international rules and does not pose a threat to the region.The visit comes at a time when global eyes are on the Russia-Ukraine war, with implications that the Russian show of naval force is a response to Western aid to Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, stated that prior to arriving in Cuba, the fleet was conducting naval exercises in the Atlantic Ocean. The Russian Embassy in Havana has described the visit as part of a long-standing cooperation agreement between Russia and Cuba.
Key points
- Russian naval fleet, including ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ and nuclear-powered submarine ‘Kazan’, arrives in Havana for a visit until June 17.
- The US Department of Defense is monitoring the fleet but does not perceive it as a direct threat, despite close tracking by US warships.
- The visit is seen as a show of military power amid the Russia-Ukraine war and a symbol of Russian-Cuban cooperation.
- Cuban officials assure that the Russian ships do not carry nuclear weapons and the visit adheres to international rules.
